Refer a client to Alana House for support
If you are a professional working with a woman who you believe will benefit from support from Alana House, please complete the form at the bottom of the page.
Overview of services at Alana House
Alana House in Reading is an inclusive and non-judgemental space for women with complex needs and facing vulnerabilities. The project meets women at their point of need, providing support to enable them to address particular behaviours and assess life circumstances that may have put them in a vulnerable position or at risk of offending.
Support and information is provided in line with nine areas of need. We also run regular groups and courses for service users who have been referred to Alana House.
The support we offer through our general service includes:
- One-to-one support with a dedicated support worker, using a holistic, trauma-informed approach
- Focused group work on topics such as job skills, parenting, healing from trauma and moving onto independent living
- Referrals to counselling service held at Alana House
- Community café with opportunity for skill development, training and volunteering
- Focused sessions by other professionals during some cafés e.g. sexual health information, employability information etc.
- Access to other services through partnerships with specialist agencies
- Practical help e.g. use of washing machine, shower, computers, emergency food parcels
- Crèche facilities for some courses and groups
✓ Alana House support is most suitable for those who:
- have complex and multiple needs
- have past trauma and would benefit from a trauma informed approach
- have a history of offending, or who are at risk of offending/ reoffending
- wish to make positive change and to identify and work towards goals
- are able to attend in person as well as currently engage by phone/zoom
- struggle to engage with other professionals and services
- will benefit from a ‘one stop shop’ approach – accessing several agencies/partners at Alana House
- could benefit from support with attending some external meetings e.g. meetings at school or Frontline
- are able to attend with limited child care requirements
- want to learn new transferable skills related to volunteering or employment through the Community Café
- would benefit from and/or are open to developing skills/confidence to attend groups/courses
✕ Alana House support is less suitable for those who:
- present with a single need requiring specialist support services such as substance use/mental health/domestic abuse
- are referred only for access to Alana House counselling
- attend only to comply with other professionals’ requirement they attend
- are being closed by another agency but would benefit from general social interaction/support (not a Community Centre)
- are planning to move out of Reading in the near future
